Obturator tips

ABSTRACT

A trocar assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a cannula subassembly and an obturator subassembly. The obturator assembly includes an obturator shaft member defining a longitudinal axis and an obturator tip configured to be removable from the obturator shaft member or, alternatively, constructed with the obturator member as a single unit. Various designs of the obturator tip are contemplated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalNo. 60/902,676, filed Feb. 21, 2007, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for penetration of bodytissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to an obturatorassembly for use with a trocar assembly and having a variety of taperedtip configurations.

2. Background of Related Art

In endoscopic surgical procedures, surgery is typically performedthrough narrow endoscopic tubes (cannulas) inserted through a smallentrance wound in the skin. In laparoscopic procedures, surgery isperformed in the interior of the abdomen. Generally, after the surgicalregion is insufflated, a trocar is used to puncture the body cavity anda cannula which receives the obturator remains in place for use duringthe laparoscopic procedure. Typically, a trocar includes an obturatorhaving a sharp tip for penetrating the body cavity. Benefits with use oftrocars in laparoscopic surgery include less trauma to the patient andreduced recovery time.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to further improvements inaccessing/penetrating body tissue during a surgical procedure,preferably, a laparoscopic procedure. The present disclosure is directedto a trocar assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical proceduresincluding a cannula subassembly and an obturator subassembly.

In one embodiment, an obturator for use in penetrating tissue includesan elongate obturator member defining a longitudinal obturator axis andan obturator tip. The obturator tip defines a base member connectable tothe obturator member and a tapered tip member extending from the basemember to a penetrating end. The tip member has an ellipticalcross-sectional configuration and is devoid of peripheral cutting edges.The penetrating end may be defined at a point generally coinciding withthe longitudinal axis of the elongate obturator member. The tip membermay include a proximal tip portion and a distal tip portion. Theproximal tip portion has an elliptical cross-sectional dimensiondefining a major axis and a minor axis, whereby along a length of theproximal tip portion the major axis is substantially constant and theminor axis increases from distal to proximal. The distal tip portion hasan elliptical cross-sectional dimension defining a major axis and aminor axis whereby along a length of the distal tip portion the majoraxis and the minor axis increase from distal to proximal. The tip memberdefines an outer surface having a generally parabolic contour.

In another embodiment, a surgical obturator for use in penetratingtissue includes an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinalobturator axis and an obturator tip. The obturator defines a base memberconnectable to the obturator member and a tapered tip member extendingfrom the base member to a penetrating end. The tip member has at leasttwo surfaces intersecting along a line of intersection which traversesthe longitudinal axis. The penetrating end generally coincides with thelongitudinal axis of the base portion. At least two surfaces intersectalong the line of intersection which is generally transverse to thelongitudinal axis. A first surface of the at least two surfaces extendscontiguously from the penetrating end and is in general parallelrelation to the longitudinal axis. A second surface of the at least twosurfaces may extend contiguously from the first surface and is inoblique relation with the longitudinal axis. A third surface of the atleast two surfaces may extend contiguously from the second surface andis in oblique relation with the longitudinal axis. The first, second andthird surfaces may be substantially planar. First and second pairs ofeach of the first, second and third surfaces may be provided. Each ofthe surfaces of the respective pairs are arranged in diametrical opposedrelation.

In another embodiment, a surgical obturator for use in penetratingtissue includes an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinalobturator axis and an obturator tip. The obturator tip includes a basemember connectable to the obturator member and a tip member extendingfrom the base member to a penetrating end. The tip member defines acomplex curve configuration to extend in a non-linear manner along thelongitudinal axis from the base member to a penetrating end whichgenerally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the base portion. Thetip member may define a general parabolic configuration along thelongitudinal axis. Alternatively, the tip member defines an outer wallhaving a first pair of opposed generally convex surfaces and a secondpair of generally opposed concave surfaces.

In another embodiment, a surgical obturator for use in penetratingtissue includes an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinalobturator axis and an obturator tip. The obturator tip defines a basemember connectable to the obturator member and a tip member extendingfrom the base member to a penetrating end. The tip member includes, fromdistal to proximal, a first pair of diametrically opposed substantiallyplanar surfaces extending from the penetrating end toward the basemember and being in general parallel relation with the longitudinalaxis, a second pair of diametrically opposed surfaces in generalalignment with the longitudinal axis, third and fourth pairs ofdiametrically opposed surfaces disposed radial outwardly on respectivesides of the second pair of opposed surfaces and fifth and sixth pairsof diametrically opposed surfaces disposed radial outwardly onrespective sides of the third and fourth pairs of opposed surfaces. Thesurfaces of at least the second, third, and fourth pairs of surfaces maybe generally concave.

In another embodiment, a surgical obturator for use in penetratingtissue includes an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinalobturator axis and an obturator tip. The obturator tip defines a basemember connectable to the obturator member and a tip member extendingfrom the base member to a penetrating end. The tip member defines agenerally tapered configuration extending along the longitudinal axisfrom the base member to a penetrating end. The tip member has at leastone outer curved surface. The penetrating end is generally displacedfrom the longitudinal axis of the base member. The at least one outercurved surfaces may be generally concave. In the alternative, the tipmember includes at least three intersecting surfaces, namely, a firstcentrally positioned surface in general alignment with the longitudinalaxis, and second and third surfaces radially outward of the firstsurface. The first surface may be substantially planar or substantiallyarcuate.

In another embodiment, a surgical obturator for use in penetratingtissue includes an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinalobturator axis and an obturator tip defining a base member connectableto the obturator member and a tip member extending from the base memberto a penetrating end. The tip member defines a generally taperedconfiguration extending along the longitudinal axis from the base memberto a penetrating end. The tip member includes first and seconddiametrically opposed wings extending from an outer wall of the tipmember. The wings define a cross-sectional dimension which increasesfrom distal to proximal. The first and second diametrically opposedwings may define peripheral cutting edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein: said

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical trocar assembly including acannula and an obturator in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view with parts separated of the surgical trocarassembly including a cannula and an obturator of FIG. 1, with theobturator shown disassembled from the cannula;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the penetrating end of the surgicalobturator of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of the surgicalobturator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of thesurgical obturator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3C is an axial view of the proximal end of the penetrating end ofthe surgical obturator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3D is an axial view of the distal end of the penetrating end of thesurgical obturator of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 4A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end FIG. 4,illustrating the angles of the planar surfaces defining the chamferedportion of the tip member;

FIG. 4B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 4,illustrating the relationship between the planar surfaces of thechamfered portion;

FIG. 4C is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 5A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 5,illustrating the relationship between the opposed planar surfacesdefining the tip member;

FIG. 5B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 5,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 5C is an axial view of the proximal end of the penetrating end ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 5D is an axial view of the distal end of the penetrating end ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 6A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 6,illustrating the relationship between the opposed planar surfacesdefining the tip member;

FIG. 6B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 6,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 6C is an axial view of the penetrating end of the surgicalobturator of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 7A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 7,illustrating the complex curve configuration defined by the tip member;

FIG. 7B is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 8A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 8,illustrating the opposed generally convex surfaces defining the outerwall of the tip member;

FIG. 8B is a second side plan view of FIG. 8, illustrating the opposedgenerally concave surfaces defining the outer wall of the tip member;

FIG. 8C is an axial view of the proximal end of the penetrating end ofthe surgical obturator of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 8, illustrating the more pointed penetrating endconfiguration;

FIG. 9A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 9,illustrating the opposed generally convex surfaces defining the outerwall of the tip member;

FIG. 9B is a second side plan view of FIG. 9, illustrating the opposedgenerally concave surfaces defining the outer wall of the tip member;

FIG. 9C is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 10A is a side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 10,illustrating the opposed substantially planar surfaces intersecting atthe penetrating tip;

FIG. 10B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 10,illustrating the relationship between the opposed substantially planarsurfaces defining the tip member;

FIG. 10C is an axial view of the penetrating end of the surgicalobturator of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 11A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 11,illustrating both the angle of the outer curved surface with respect tothe longitudinal axis and the generally displaced position of thepenetrating end relative to the longitudinal axis;

FIG. 11B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 11,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 11C is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator in accordance with theembodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12A is a side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 12,illustrating the angle of both the opposed outer curved surfaces and theangled surface with respect to the longitudinal axis;

FIG. 12AA is a cross sectional view of the penetrating end of FIG. 12;

FIG. 12B is a first plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 12,illustrating the relationship between the opposed outer curved surfacesand the angled surface therebetween;

FIG. 12C is a second plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 12,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 12D is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 13A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 13,illustrating the relationship between the opposed generally planarsurfaces;

FIG. 13B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 13,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 13C is an axial view of the penetrating end of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 14A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 14,illustrating the cross-sectional dimension of the diametrically opposedwing members;

FIG. 14B is a second plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 14,illustrating the generally tapered configuration of the tip member;

FIG. 14C is an axial view of the distal end of the penetrating end ofFIG. 14, illustrating the cross-sectional dimension defined by the wingmembers;

FIG. 14D is an axial view of the proximal end of the penetrating end ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepenetrating end of the surgical obturator;

FIG. 15A is a first side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 15;

FIG. 15B is a second side plan view of the penetrating end of FIG. 15,illustrating the arcuate configuration of the penetrating end of the tipmember; and

FIG. 15C is an axial view of the distal end of the penetrating end ofFIG. 15, illustrating the cross-sectional dimension of the blademembers.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the drawing Figures, in which, like referencenumerals identify similar or identical elements, there is illustrated,in FIGS. 1 and 2, a trocar assembly constructed in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present disclosure and designated generallyby reference numeral 10. Trocar assembly 10 is particularly adapted foruse in minimally invasive surgical procedures such as endoscopic orlaparoscopic procedures. Generally, trocar assembly 10 includes twoprincipal subassemblies, namely, obturator assembly 100 and cannulaassembly 1000.

Obturator assembly 100 includes obturator housing 102 and elongatedobturator member 104 extending distally from the housing 102. Obturatormember 104 defines a longitudinal obturator axis “X” and will bediscussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

Cannula assembly 1000 may be any cannula assembly suitable for use in alaparoscopic surgical procedure. In one preferred embodiment, cannulaassembly 1000 includes cannula housing 1002 and cannula sleeve 1004extending from the cannula housing 1002. Either or both cannula housing1002 and cannula sleeve 1004 may be transparent in part or in whole andmay be fabricated from biocompatible metal or polymeric material.Cannula assembly 1000 may include an internal seal such as a duck-billvalve or other zero closure valves adapted to close in the absence of asurgical instrument to prevent passage of insufflation gases through thecannula assembly 1000.

Trocar assembly 10 may also include a seal assembly 2000 which ispreferably releasably mounted to cannula housing 1002. Means forreleasably connecting seal assembly 2000 to cannula housing 1002 mayinclude a bayonet coupling, threaded connection, latch, friction fit,tongue and groove arrangements, snap-fit, etc. Seal assembly 2000includes seal housing 2002 and at least one internal seal which isadapted to form a fluid tight seal about an instrument inserted throughthe seal assembly 2000. One suitable seal may be the fabric sealdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,787, which issuedMar. 9, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference. The seal disclosed in the '787 patent may be a flat septumseal having a first layer of resilient material and a second fabriclayer juxtaposed relative to the first layer. Further details of theseal may be ascertained by reference to the '787 patent. Seal assembly2000 may or may not be a component of cannula assembly 1000. Forexample, the seal assembly may be a separate, removable assembly. In thealternative, the seal assembly may comprise an integral part of thecannula assembly 1000 and not be removable.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-3D, in conjunction with FIG. 2, there isillustrated a surgical obturator tip in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure. Obturator tip 110 includes two components,namely, a base member 120 defined along longitudinal axis “A” and a tipmember 130. Tip member 130 of obturator tip 110 generally tapersinwardly relative to longitudinal axis “X” towards a penetrating end 115and is defined by a generally elliptical cross-sectional configuration.Tip member 130 defines a leading tip section 134 adjacent penetratingend 115 and a trailing tip section 138 adjacent base member 120. Leadingtip section 134 defines an elliptical cross-sectional dimension having amajor axis “k” and a minor axis “b” (FIG. 3D). As best depicted in FIG.3A, the dimension measured along the “b” axis of leading tip section 134gradually increases from penetrating end 115 to the area of intersectionof leading and trailing tip sections 134, 138, preferably in a linearmanner. The dimension measured along the “k” axis and corresponding tothe major axis of the ellipse, increases from penetrating end 115 to thearea of intersection of leading and trailing tip sections 134, 138. Asbest depicted in FIG. 3B, this taper is preferably asymptotic orparabolic in character. Trailing tip section 138 has a dimensionmeasured along the “b” axis which gradually increases from the area ofintersection of leading and trailing tip sections 134,138 to base member120. The taper may be linear or parabolic. The dimension measured alongthe “k” axis is constant and is equivalent to the major dimension ordiameter of base member 120 as depicted in FIG. 3B. Penetrating end 115is defined at a point generally coinciding with longitudinal axis “X”,and may have a sharpened edge or may be generally blunt if desired. Asto be appreciated, obturator tip 110 may be configured to be removablefrom the obturator member 1004 or constructed with the obturator member1004 as a single unit. If unable, obturator tip 110 may be connected toobturator member 1004 by conventional means including frictional orinterference fits, bayonet couplings, screw threads, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-4C, in conjunction with FIG. 2, there isillustrated a surgical obturator tip in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, tip member 230of obturator tip 210 generally tapers inwardly relative to longitudinalaxis “X” towards a penetrating end 215 and includes a first tip membersection “A” defined between the penetrating end 215 and a longitudinallocation “AB” and a second tip member section “B” defined betweenlongitudinal location “AB” and base member 220. Penetrating end 115 isdefined at a point generally coinciding with longitudinal axis “X”, andmay have a sharpened edge or may be generally blunt if desired.

In a first configuration of tip member 230 depicted in FIG. 4, section“B” defines a generally circular cross-sectional configuration from basemember 220 to longitudinal location “AB” and section “A” defines aplurality of different cross-sectional shapes formed by a chamferedportion 225. As illustrated in a first profile of tip member 230depicted in FIG. 4A, chamfered portion 225 extends from penetrating end215 proximally to longitudinal location “AB.” Chamfered portion 225 isdefined by a series of intersecting substantially planar surfaces 225 a,225 b, and 225 c on one arc segment of the chamfered portion 225.Specifically, a first planar surface 225 a generally coinciding withlongitudinal axis “X” is defined adjacent the penetrating end 215 andextends proximally to intersect a second planar surface 225 b proximalto surface 225 a defined on an oblique angle with respect tolongitudinal axis “X.” Surface 225 a extends proximally to intersect athird planar surface 225 c proximal to surface 225 b defined on anoblique angle with respect to longitudinal axis “X”. Surface 225 cextends proximally to longitudinal location “AB”. A second profile(rotated 90°) of tip member 230 depicted in FIG. 4B illustrates indetail the relationship between planar surfaces 225 a, 225 b, and 225 c.As to be appreciated, planar surfaces 225 a, 225 b, and 225 c may varyin angle and/or dimension relative to one another to achieve a desiredresult, e.g., improvement in penetrating tissue.

In an alternate embodiment of tip member 230 depicted in FIG. 5-5D, thetip member defines a first pair of opposed planar surfaces 232 a, 232 beach extending distally from base member 210 at an oblique angle towardlongitudinal axis “X” to intersect with a second pair of opposedsurfaces 234 a, 234 b. Surfaces 234 a, 234 b may be planar or slightlyconcave in character as shown. With reference now to section “A” of tipmember 230, a unique cross-sectional configuration is formed by surfaces234 a, 234 b each extending distally from longitudinal location “AB” atan oblique angle toward longitudinal axis “X” to intersect with a thirdpair of opposed surfaces 236 a, 236 b. Surfaces 236 a, 236 b may besubstantially planar and extend distally along longitudinal axis “X” inparallel relation to penetrating end 215. This feature presents arelatively narrow profile which facilitates entry and initial passagethrough tissue. As depicted in FIG. 5B, penetrating end 215 is definedby a slightly arcuate configuration. A pointed configuration ofpenetrating end 215 is also contemplated.

In another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C, tip member includes afirst pair of opposed planar surfaces 242 a, 242 b, generally triangularin shape, originating at a first intersecting point 218A defined alonglongitudinal axis “X”, each extending distally and at an oblique angletoward longitudinal axis “X” to intersect with a corresponding secondpair of opposed planar surfaces 244 a, 244 b along lines of intersection216. Surfaces 244 a, 244 b are generally quadrilateral in shape and eachextend distally from lines of intersection 216 at an oblique angletoward longitudinal axis “X” to intersect with a third pair of opposedplanar surfaces 246 a, 246 b along lines of intersection 214. Surfaces246 a, 246 b are generally parallel to each other and extend distallypenetrating end 215.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-7B, there is illustrated another embodiment ofa surgical obturator in accordance with the present disclosure.Obturator 300 includes two components, namely, base member 320 definedalong longitudinal axis “X” and a tip member 330. Tip member 330 definesa complex curve configuration and extends in a non-linear manner alonglongitudinal axis “X” from base member 320 to a penetrating end 315.Penetrating end 315 is defined at a point generally coinciding withlongitudinal axis “X.”

In a first configuration of tip member 330 depicted in FIG. 7, tipmember 330 is defined along longitudinal axis “X” and is generallyparabolic in shape. Penetrating end 315 is shown to have a pointedconfiguration; however, a slightly arcuate configuration is alsocontemplated.

In an alternate embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-8C, tip member 330 isdefined by an outer wall 335 extending from base portion 320 topenetrating end 315. Outer wall 335 defines a first pair of opposedgenerally convex surfaces 332 a, 332 b and a second pair of opposedgenerally concave surfaces 334 a, 334 b when rotating the tip member 33090° (see FIGS. 8A and 8D). Convex surfaces 332 a, 332 b and concavesurfaces 334 a, 334 b converge at a point generally coinciding withlongitudinal axis “X” to define a blunt tip configuration of penetratingend 315. Surfaces 332 a, 332 b and surfaces 334 a, 334 b are configuredin an alternating arrangement to provide outer wall 335 with an enhancedability to penetrate or pass through tissue layers. Tip member 330 asdepicted in FIG. 8, by its blunt tip configuration, minimizes thepotential of undesired or unintended piercing of tissue. FIGS. 9, 9A,and 9B illustrate a tip member similar to the embodiment of FIG. 8, but,including a pointed tip configuration 315 to assist in piercing tissue.

FIGS. 10-10C illustrate another embodiment of the tip member 330. Thetip member 330 includes a first pair of opposed planar surfaces 350 a,350 b extending from penetrating end 315 and in parallel relation to thelongitudinal axis “x”. Proximal of planar surfaces 350 a, 350 b are aseries of intersecting surfaces symmetrically arranged about thelongitudinal axis “x”. These surfaces include centrally disposed surface355, a pair of surfaces 353 on each side of the centrally disposedsurface 355, a second pair of surfaces 351 on each side of the surfaces353. Surfaces 351 extend in a proximal location towards base 320. Eachof surfaces 355, 353, 351 may be arcuate, e.g., generally concave, orplanar. Penetrating tip 315 is generally aligned with the longitudinalaxis “x”.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated yet another embodiment ofa surgical obturator in accordance with the present disclosure.Obturator 400 includes two components, namely, a base member 420 definedalong a longitudinal axis “X” and an atraumatic tip member 430. Tipmember 430 includes at least one outer curved surface and defines agenerally tapered configuration extending along longitudinal axis “X”from base member 420 to a penetrating end 415. Penetrating end 415 isdefined at a point generally displaced from longitudinal axis “X.”

Tip member 430 includes outer curved surface 435. Surface 435 tapersaway from the base member 420 and is beveled downward, as shown in FIG.11A, from the distal end of base portion 420 to penetraling end 415.Surface 435 is generally arcuate or generally concave in configuration.Penetrating end 415 may be sharp or blunt and is displaced from thelongitudinal axis “X”.

In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, tip member 430 includes apair of opposed outer curved surfaces 440 a, 440 b which intersect anangled surface 445 defined therebetween. As can be seen in FIG. 12C,angled surface 445 intersects surfaces 440 a, 440 b at penetrating end415 and extends proximally to intersect surfaces 440 a, 440 b slightlyproximal to base member 420. Surface 445 is preferably generally arcuatein configuration and may be generally concave or generally convex.Surfaces 440 a, 440 b may be planar or substantially arcuate (e.g.,generally concave or generally convex) in configuration. FIG. 12B,penetrating end 415 defines a generally arcuate or blunt configuration.Alternatively, it is envisioned that penetrating end 415 may be morepointed, to facilitate tissue piercing if desired.

In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, tip member 430 defines afirst pair of opposed planar surfaces 462 a, 462 b which are generallytriangular in shape. Specifically, surfaces 462 a, 462 b originate at afirst intersecting point 450A defined at the proximal end of tip member430 collinear to longitudinal axis “X”. Surfaces 462 a, 462 b eachextend distaily and at an oblique angle toward longitudinal axis “X” tointersect with a corresponding second pair of opposed planar surfaces464 a, 464 b at lines of intersection 451. Surfaces 464 a, 464 b aregenerally quadrilateral in shape and each extends distally at an obliqueangle toward longitudinal axis “X” to intersect with a third pair ofopposed planar surfaces 466 a, 466 b at a lines of intersection 453.Surfaces 466 a, 466 b are substantially parallel to each other and thelongitudinal axis, and extend distally along longitudinal axis “X” topenetrating edge 415. Penetrating edge 415 may be relatively sharp orsubstantially blunt.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-14C, there is illustrated yet anotherembodiment of a surgical obturator in accordance with the presentdisclosure. Obturator 500 includes two components, namely, base member520 defining a longitudinal axis “X” and an atraumatic tip member 530.Tip member 530 defines a generally tapered configuration and extendsalong longitudinal axis “X” from base member 520 to a penetrating end515. Penetrating end 515 is defined at a point generally coinciding withthe longitudinal axis “X” of the base portion 520. Tip member 530 mayinclude a pair of diametrically opposed wing members 540 a, 540 bextending radially outward from an outer wall 535 of the tip member 530and extending along the longitudinal axis “X” from base member 520 to alocation proximal of penetrating end 515. As illustrated in detail inFIG. 14B, wings 540 a, 540 b define a cross-sectional dimension whichincreases from distal to proximal. In the alternative, as depicted inFIGS. 15-15C, a pair of diametrically opposed wings or blade members 550a, 550 b with outward cutting edges extends radially outward from outerwall 535 of tip member 530 and along longitudinal axis “X” from basemember 520 to penetrating end 515, as shown in FIG. 15. As illustratedin detail in FIG. 15A, blades 550 a, 550 b define a cross-sectionaldimension which increases from distal to proximal. In this embodiment,blades 550 a, 550 b extend to and may include penetrating tip 515 andconverge to define an arcuate configuration of penetrating end 515, asshown in FIG. 15B. This rounded blade tip arrangement may provide anadvantageous configuration for tissue piercing/penetration.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description shouldnot be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications ofpreferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

1. A surgical obturator for use in penetrating tissue, which comprises:an elongate obturator member defining a longitudinal axis along andhaving a longitudinal bisecting plane of symmetry, the elongate memberhaving proximal and distal ends; and an obturator tip at the distal endof the obturator member, the obturator tip including: a penetrating end;a pair of opposed planar surfaces extending proximally from thepenetrating end and arranged in diametrically opposed relation withrespect to the plane of symmetry; and a series of first, second andthird intersecting surfaces extending contiguously from at least one ofthe pair of opposed planar surfaces, each of the first and thirdintersecting surfaces being disposed radially outwardly relative to thelongitudinal axis and intersecting the second intersecting surface andbeing obliquely arranged relative to the plane of symmetry.
 2. Thesurgical obturator of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second andthird intersecting surfaces of the series is obliquely arranged withrespect to the plane of symmetry.
 3. The surgical obturator of claim 1,wherein each of the first, second and third intersecting surfaces of theseries is substantially planar.
 4. The surgical obturator of claim 1,wherein each of the first, second and third intersecting surfaces of theseries is substantially arcuate.
 5. The surgical obturator of claim 4,wherein each of the first, second and third intersecting surfaces of theseries is substantially concave.
 6. The surgical obturator of claim 2,including fourth and fifth intersecting surfaces disposed radiallyoutwardly of, and intersecting, respective first and third intersectingsurfaces.
 7. The surgical obturator of claim 1, including a secondseries of first, second and third intersecting surfaces extendingcontiguously from the other of the pair of opposed planar surfaces andsymmetrically arranged about the plane of symmetry with respect to thefirst-mentioned series of the first, second and third intersectingsurfaces.
 8. The surgical obturator of claim 7, wherein the secondseries includes fourth and fifth intersecting surfaces disposed radiallyoutwardly of, and intersecting, respective first and third intersectingsurfaces.
 9. The surgical obturator of claim 8, wherein each of thefirst, second and third intersecting surfaces of the second series issubstantially arcuate.
 10. The surgical obturator of claim 8, whereineach of the first, second and third intersecting surfaces of the secondseries is substantially concave.
 11. A surgical obturator for use inpenetrating tissue, which comprises: an elongate obturator memberdefining a longitudinal axis; and an obturator tip releasably connectedto the obturator member, the obturator tip including: a penetrating end;and a pair of opposed planar surfaces extending proximally away from thepenetrating end; a centrally disposed surface symmetric about thelongitudinal axis and extending obliquely with respect to each of thepair of opposed planar surfaces; a first pair of surfaces extending inoblique relation from the centrally disposed surface; and a secondsurface extending in oblique relation from each of said first pair ofsurfaces.